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'Spamalot' musical based on Monty Python comes to Wabash

WABASH — Thank God we have a quest, and that quest will include laughter as the award winning Broadway musical “Spamalot” comes to the Wabash Honeywell Center’s Ford Theater Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
The show borrows liberally and unashamedly from the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and features characters and sketches from the internationally acclaimed comedy team’s most famous film. With a book and lyrics by Monty Python’s Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez the musical tells the tale of King Arthur and his — rather offbeat — quest for the Holy Grail.
“This is really a dream come true,” said Joe Beuerlein who plays several roles in the outrageous comedy including The Historian, Minstrel, Brother Maynard, and a French Guard. “When the musical first came out I bought the soundtrack and listened to it over and over again hoping I might be able to get a chance to audition for the show someday.
“My brother and I constantly quoted The Holy Grail as kids. We were hooked on Monty Python growing up.”
Beuerlein was also hooked on acting growing up in a small town near Nashville, Tenn. He got his first role in the eighth grade and the rest — as they say — is history.
He says that there’s something for everyone in Spamalot.
“If you’re a fan of Monty Python you’re going to love seeing the sketches and characters you’ve always loved from the movie,” he said. “If you’re not familiar with the show you’re going to enjoy a lot of great laughs.”
Much of the comedy of Monty Python’s Flying Circus was written more than 40 years ago and Beuerlein said that the reason it still is as popular today is a very simple one.
“The writing is just so good,” he said. “As an actor it’s incredibly easy because you don’t really have to work for the laugh. You just say the words and it’s funny.”
Beuerlein has the challenge of bringing several characters to life in the show, including The Historian who is the narrator who frames the wacky goings on around him. The multitude of demands for the multitude of parts can be a harrowing experience backstage.
“There is never a dull moment — you’re constantly changing costumes, getting to where you need to be,” he said with a laugh. “There are a couple of moments in the show that are actually improvised so they change nearly every night and there is some audience interaction that makes things different for every show. It keeps things hopping.”
“This is really a dream come true for me. I love the show. We’ll be out on the road with this tour until April or May and I hope that they decide to go out again. I would love to be part of this show for a long time. The fact that you get paid for doing this really sometimes is hard to believe.”
Tickets are $25, $35, and $45, and may be purchased at the box office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 260-563-1102 or visitingwww.honeywellcenter.org.